The approach to Blue Hill Bay, through the Gulf of Maine, leads mariners passed a collection of rocky islands. About five miles southeast of the famous Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island lies the Great Duck Island. The 265 acre rocky isle, with a built-in natural bird bath, is the summer home for thousands of ducks, black guillemots, and storm-petrels; nearly 20 percent of Maine's nesting seabirds.
   The U.S. Government purchased 11 acres on the Duck Island's south side, enough land for a lighthouse tower, three keeper's dwellings, a fog signal building and an oil house. Twentieth century light keepers offered up their memories of the island's tranquil and solitary setting, plus its occasional difficulties. Because of the island's remote location, receiving help and supplies from the mainland was always troublesome. One of the light keeper's assistants arrived in 1902 with his wife and 16 children. It's hard to imagine life being tranquil during assistant Nathan Adam Reed's tenure.
   The lighthouse, a 42 foot tall tower, was complete in 1890. The brick and granite structure still stands today and is fully functional. The Great Duck Island Light was one of the last light-stations to be automated, converted to solar power in 1986. The keeper's quarters were renovated in 1994, and now houses the Alice Eno Biological Station, a research facility. The lighthouse remains closed to the public and is best seen by boat.

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